Manchester United's decision not to strengthen their back line over the summer is becoming more baffling as the season plays out, with United's defence drastically underperforming so far.

While the club did need to do a major midfield rebuild, having lost Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte picking up a season-ending injury, the fact that they didn't strengthen in other key areas, with left-back a position that simply had to be reinforced, is an example of how United's new transfer strategy of signing just one area of the pitch each summer doesn't necessarily work at the top level.

With Luke Shaw, the club's only senior left-back, out injured, Diogo Dalot has had to deputise at left-back, with Leny Yoro doing the same at right-back; while the Frenchman has quietly enjoyed a good season, the defence as a whole has, quite frankly, been shocking.

Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa means United have conceded more goals than all but one side in Europe's top five leagues, with Lens' 9-1 drubbing by Como meaning the French side have shipped 31 goals this season.

Manchester United haven't kept a single clean sheet in the Premier League this season, and sit in the relegation zone going into the November international break. United haven't been very active in the winter window over the last few seasons, but sources say the club will look to make a couple of defensive signings in January.

TEAMtalk has reported that United could plan a rare raid on Manchester City, with Rayan Aït-Nouri poised to leave the club in the winter window, as his game time has taken a major hit following the rise of Nico O'Reilly.

Reports indicate the Algerian star is open to leaving City, and Man Utd won't face any issues negotiating personal terms with the 25-year-old.

While transfers from Manchester United to City are common, with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Peter Schmeichel, Andy Cole and Owen Hargreaves all making the switch from United to City, the reverse is quite rare, with Dennis Law being the most high-profile player to make the move from City to United.

Manchester United reportedly pushed to sign Alejandro Balde in the summer, but the young Spaniard chose to stay in Spain and fight for a starting place. Instead, he has seemingly fallen further down the pecking order after Xavi Espart's emergence this season, leaving his Barcelona future up in the air.

It now seems very likely that United will push to make another move for him in January, most likely on loan, but they will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham, who are themselves dealing with a left-back crisis.

Destiny Udogie has been constantly in and out of Roberto De Zerbi's side, so Andy Robertson has started most of Spurs' games so far this season. Sport now reports that the London club are closely monitoring the situation surrounding the 23-year-old.

While where he ends up remains to be seen, it looks almost certain that Balde will be moved on in winter, with the left-back having played just 100 minutes of La Liga this season.

The outlet states that Barcelona were holding out for a £30 million fee to let Balde leave in the summer, but his lack of football and Hansi Flick seemingly leaving him out of his long-term plans could decrease that valuation, and United could see that as a real opportunity to snap up a left-back who has been very highly rated after breaking into the Barcelona team in the 2021/22 season.